Cultivator



(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 1.

U. R. HARTMAN.

GULTIVATOR.

N0. 4.04.084. Patented May 28, 1889.

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ATTORNEYS.

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(-No Model'.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 2. C. R. HARTMAN.

GULTIVATOR. No. 404,084. Patented May 28, 1889..

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ATTORNEYS.

axle may be fitted in different grooves.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES R. HARTMAN, OF VINOENNES, INDIANA.

CU LTIVATO R.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 404,084, dated May 28, 1889.

Application filed December 23, 1887. Serial No. 258,839. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that 1, CHARLES R. HARTMAN, of Vincen-nes, in the county of Knox and State of Indiana, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Cultivators, of which the following is a specification.

My invention is an improvement in cultivators; and it consists in the novel constructions and combinations of parts, hereinafter first fully described, and then pointed out in.

the claims.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of my improvements. Fig. 2 is a plan view of parts of the axleooupling, the drag-bars, and part of the beam-coupling, parts being broken away and others shown in section. Fig. 3 represents in detail the construction whereby the axle-coupling is held from lateral movement on and yet may be adjusted along the axle. Fig. 4 is a detail view of the beam-coup ling with the fenderconnection in dotted lines. Fig. 5 illustrates said fender-connection in detail. Fig. 6 is a detail view of the beam coupling, showing in position the bracket for use with the spring-tooth support. Fig. 7 is a rear elevation of the tooth-connection. Fig. 8 is a detail View of the handleconnecting bar or support. Fig. 9 illustrates the tooth-connection in detail. Fig. 10 illus- Y trates a modified construction. the spreader.

The axle-coupling A embraces the axle and is formed in two sections, upper and lower, a a, provided with grooves which receive pins on the axle, whereby the coupling may be held from longitudinal movement on the axle or may be adjusted therealong by releasing or loosening the bolts A, so that the pins on the This construction, it will be seen, is similar to the construction shown in my former patent, No. 183,301, of October 17, 1876.

Connection-plates a project from the upper and lower rear ends of the coupling-sections a to, leaving space between them to receive the forward ends of the drag-bars B, and from the inner sides of the plates at project studs a which serve as pivotal connections of the drag-bars, which are pivoted at their rear ends to the beam-coupling c.

Fig. 11. shows Instead of the studs the plate a may have openings for fixed pivot-pins of the drag-bars or for pivot-bolts.

The described arrangement of the drag bars in connection with the axle and beam couplings enables me to obtain what is known in the art as the parallel beam movement.

By preference the drag-bars are of wroughtiron or steel, with their eyes I) turned (preferably not welded) in such manner as to place both eyes on one and the same side of the bar, and in arranging them in pairs I set them with their fiat sides adjacent to each other, such flat sides being in such arrangement the inner faces of the bars, as shown in Fig. 2. These eye formations b have bolt or stud openings 5 for the pivot bolts or studs. By reason of this arrangement there is provided for the drag-bars a proportionately wide bearing in the axle and beam couplings to the space between them, which gives increased room for side sweep of the gang. To one of these drag-bars is connected the handle connection or support D, secured by bolt B to one of the drag-bars B, provided near its upper end with a slot, d, and having on its face adjacent said slot serrations or teeth (1. The handle D is pivoted at d to the support D, and is connected thereto by means of bolt D passed through slot (Z. By releasing this bolt the handle may be adjusted up or down, as desired, and may be held at the desired angle by tightening the bolt, the serrations (1' pressing into the handle and aiding in securing the same firmly.

The beam-coupling O is preferably of malleable iron, having top and bottom connectionplates, 0 0, cast in one piece with the short shovel-beam O and the fender-bar E. The long shovel-beam C is preferably of wroughtiron or steel and bolted to the end of the coupling, where flanges C overlap its inner edges to prevent its turning, but manifestly may be cast integral with the coupling when so desired. By reason of this construction the plates 0 c are rendered flexible, to allow of clamping the drag-bars B therebetween by the pivot-bolts c. The shovel-beams O O C have openings at their rear ends to receive the pivots H and the break-pins H on line with the drag-bars B. The coupling 0 may be cast in sections and the flexible plates 0 c secured thereto, or only one of the plates be flexible, to clamp the drag-bars in connection with a rigid one. By means of this construction and arrangement of the axle-coupling, beam-coupling, and drag-bars I obtain a free and at the same time firm vertical and lateral movement of the gangs. The drag-bars, widened at their eye formations I), being firmly supported between the connection-plates of the axle and beam-couplings, a comparatively very light clamping of the plates prevents any rocking side motion of the gangs, so objectionable in cultivators of this class, because so fatiguing to the operator.

Space is provided between the axle-coupling sections for taking up slack from wear by the clamping-bolts A, and the connectionplates 0 of the beam-coupling being flexible, continued firmness at that end of the dragbars can be had by tightening the pivot-bolts c from time to time.

The axle-coupling A consists, ordinarily, of two duplicate sections, a, which I preferably use in the way shown in Fig. 1, by placing their inner sides to face each other; but it will be understood that either one of the sections a may be used separately as an axle-coupling by passing a stirrup around the axle for clamping the section to the axle in lieu of the bolts A, itsconnection-plate a being provided with a pivot hole or holes for connecting either double or single pivot gang-beams thereto, or either one of the sections a may have both of the connection-plates a in rear of the axle rivet or bolt 0 and the bolt 0 to support the beam. This brace renders practicable the use of a longer beam than could otherwise be used, and a longer beam enables the giving of more space betweenthe front and rear shovels for the free passage of trash when at work, and also for a third beam, 0 midway the beams 0'0 in that the shovel of the third beam can be placed between the front fender bar or support E projects forward from the inner corner of the beam-coupling.

The fender-connection F consists, as shown, of two plates, F F the former having lips f, to fit alongside of the fender-support E, and having a mortise, f, and serrations f The plate F has serrations f similar to serrations f and is provided with a mortise, f which is fitted to receive the fender-shank G. This shank is fitted snugly in the mortise f while the mortise f is large enough to. permit a lim- I ited movement of the shank therein, so that such shank may be adjusted to different angles by turning the plate F on the bolt F as a pivot. Such bolt serves to secure the sections together and to their support, and may be tightened to hold the section F and the fender-stem in any desired adjustment, or may be loosened to permit a change of position, as may be vdesired.

To the lower end of the fender stem or strap I secure a suitable fender, (not shown,) which may be of ordinary construction and of either rolling or drag style.

- The standard His preferably formed of two steel bars connected by rivets at the center to strengthen it, and is pivoted at its upper end to the rear end of the horizontal shovel-beam by the rivet or bolt H where, straddling the beam, its forward end may receive a wooden break-pin, as shown in Fig. 1, or may be operated by the spring-hoe construction shown in my patent, No. 367,623, of August 2, 1887. Thus, it will be seen, the entire downwardlyextending shovel-connection of the beam is utilized for the upward sweep of the shovel to clear obstructions when at work in rough ground. r

At its lower end the standard is formed with or of two side bars, H suitably separated to form between them a seat for the grooved and ratcheted plates I I I I, preferably made of malleable iron, the plates I being the outer and the plates I the inner plates. The inner plates, I, have in their inner faces grooves 1 to hold the shovel-stem J, and ratchets i at each end of their outer sides to interlock with corresponding ratch ets, 1 upon the inner sides any desired adjustment. Near theouter ends of the inner plates are slots i for the bolts K, which pass through openings 2' formedthrough the outer plates, which latter may or may not have flanges 2' extended along the edges of the side bars, 1-1

In modifying the adjusting devices the cen- I tral pivot of the inner plates, I, and the ratchets on the inner and outer ends may be dispensed with and the lower openings in the inner plates be formed to fit snugly to and pivot on the lower bolt, K, in which case the lower boltiK, wouldlform a pivotal center for the adjustment of the plates and the tooth.

The inner adjoining faces of the plates I I I I are recessed at I to form seats for the arms of the bifurcated spreader L, the arms L of which may be forced into recesses or bearings 1 to force the outer plates, I, clear of the inner plates. I preferably cut away the serrated surfaces of the plates, as seen in .Fig. 7, for the free entrance of the spreader;

but the plates may be spread without much inconvenience by the use of a sharp-ended spreader without being recessed, and I do not want to confine myself to the recesses I To adjust the shovels from one pitch to another, the bolt or bolts K are loosened and the spreader inserted inthe recesses I thus in a measure detaching plates I I, when the shovel may be turned by rotating its stem, which is preferably round, or swung on the studs of the inner plates as a pivot, and so set to the desired angle, when by withdrawing the spreader the ratchets of the inner and outer plates willreengage and the tooth be held in position. This pitch-setting device is of great importance on ground-stirring implements, as the depth of the furrow can be regulated at will regardless vof the condition of the soil, especially in connection with the shiftable shovel-stem. Thus, if it is desired to cultivate young corn, for instance, planted on new shallow-turned sod, where ordinary-depth running shovels would penetrate and tear the sod and so pull up the corn, I swing the shovel-point upward by means of the described pitch device, and if necessary also take up the shovel-stem, and thus stir the surface-soil without penetrating the sod. If, on the other hand, I wish to stir extra deep, I swing the shovel-point downward and set the shovel-stem to suit, if necessary. If, again, I want to'save the roots of advanced corn and at the same time cultivate or stir deep beyond them, I set the inner shovel as for the sod and the outer one to run deep.

Manifestly the pitch-setting device can be used on the ordinary single downwardly-bent shovel beam or standard on Cultivators and other similar implements by using either one pair or more of these plates in the following manner.

The lower end of the beam may have ratchets in or upon one or the other side, with central pin or hole for the pivot and two end holes for clamping. On this ratcheted side is placed a slotted plate with groove on one side for holding the shovel-stem and ratchets on the other side, with central pin or hole for pivot similar to one of the inner plates shown in Fig. 7, and suitable bolts and a cap-plate for clamping complete the several parts when in position.

It will also be understood that one pair of plates similar to those shown in Fig. 7 may be placed on one side of the standard, having two holes in its lower end for clamping, and

a suitable stirrup or a cap-plate, grooved or not grooved, and two bolts for clamping also completes the shovel pitch-setting device.

If desired, the inner sides of the side bars of the standard may be provided with ratchets or serrations on their inner sides, in which case the outer plates, as shown in Fig. 7, may be dispensed with, or might be considered in this instance as being formed integral With the side bars of the standard.

As will be understood from Fig. 10, the outer and inner plates shown in Fig. 7 may both be dispensed with and the inner faces of the side bars be serrated and the upper end of the tooth-stem be serrated and slotted, as shown in such Fig. 10. In such figure the stem is pivoted to the standard supporting the shovel below the pivot, the serrated portion of the stem being above the pivot. Between the pivot and its serrated portion the shank is reduced to form openings or spaces for the arms of the spreader. In such case the outer plates may be used in all cases where it is inconvenient to form the ratchets 011 the shank barsas, for instance, on Wrought-iron or steel. When made of malleable iron, the plates may be very thin to avoid bulkiness, and a mere rounding of the edges of the plates suffices for the en trance of the spreader between them, since the ratchets are above the surface of the plates. This construction (shown in Fig. 10) is more especially adapted for the commonly downwardbent shovel-beam in general use, for which purpose the shank-bars may end as indicated in dotted lines and have suitable openings for the pivot and break-pins or for riveting solid to the standard-bar. In the said Fig. 10 the shovel is secured on its stem by a set screw, so that it may be conveniently adjusted.

The spring-supporting devices shown in Fig. 1 are not claimed in this application, but form the subject of a separate application for patent, Serial No. 248,539, filed by me September 1, 1887.

It will be seen that for purposes of extreme side shift it is only essential to arrange the drag-bars close together at their rear ends, and that in securing the closest arrangement of said bars at such point and yet retaining a broad bearing within the axle-coupling, I proj ect the bolt-eyes at the rear ends of the dragbars laterally outward and in opposite directions. This construct on provides a broad bearingin the beam-coupling, so that the dragbars may be held with sufficient firmness without necessitating their being clamped so tightly as to impede by friction the free and quick movement of the gangs from side to side, as is necessary in the use of the improvement. At the same time the arrangement of the dragbars close together at both front and rear ends permits not only the greatest outward shift before the outer drag-bar meets the Wheel of the machine, but also enables the lateral shift ing of the drag-bars inward without engaging the fender-bar E, this close arrangement of the drag-bars enabling the fender-bar to be arranged in the sameplane as thebeam-coupli ng, so that it can be much more cheaply cast than when arranged below such coupling, as hasv I and am about to file.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new is 1. In a cultivator, a beam-coupling having upper and lower plates rigidly uni-ted at one end, having fender-support E and beam C at such end and movable at their opposite ends toward each other, whereby they may beclamped against intermediate parts and the drag-bars fitted at their ends between the said plates, substantially as set forth.

2. In a cultivator, the. drag-bars and hoes, combined with the beam-coupling having upper and lower plates and having the fenderbar E. and beam 0 cast integral therewith, and a beam, C substantially'as and for the purposes specified.

3. The combination of the fender bar or support, the connection F, consisting of plate F, having mortise f and serrations f and the plate F having serrations f and a mortise,f the fender-stem fitted in said mortises, and the clamping-bolt, substantially as set forth.

4. A fender-connection, substantially as described, comprising two plates,one having serrations and provided with a mortise in which the fender-stem will fit snugly so that part thereof will project laterally beyond the said plate and the other plate having serrations to engage those of the first and provided with amortise into which the side of the fenderstem fits, such mortise being larger than the mortise of the first plate, whereby to permit a limited adjustment of the fender-stem, substantially as set forth..

5. In acultivator, the standard having side bars or cheeks, H combined with the shovelstem held adjustably between said cheeks, and interlocking ratchets whereby the said stem may be held in any suitable adjustment,

the cheeksH being movable apart, whereby the ratchets may be disengaged when it is desired to vary the adjustment of the shovelstem, substantially as set forth.

6. In combination with the standard H, the inner plates, 1 I, having the grooves 41, the ratchets i, the studs 4', and the slots 4', and the outer plates, I I, having the ratchets 4' the sockets '6 the openings 17, and the pairs of plates having between them the recesses 1 and the bolts K, for clamping the shovelstem between the plates, substantially as shown and described, and for the purpose specified.

7. In combination'with the plates I I I I, constructed on their meeting faces with interlocking ratchets, the side bars or cheeks, H and the shovel-stem held between plates I I, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

8. The combination ofthe'standard having side plates or cheeks, the plates I I, supported between said cheeks and having interlocking ratchets, and the shovel-stem held between plates 1, one of such plates I I having pivot-studs to enter sockets in the other, substantially as set forth.

9. In a cultivator, substantially as described, the combination of the plates 1' I, having their inner faces constructed to receive and hold the shovel-stem and having their outer faces formed with ratchets, and outer plates held to said plates 1 I and having. their inner faces formed with ratchets arranged to engage those of the said plates I, substantially as set forth.

10. The combination, with the standard and tooth stem, of an inner plate, I, having grooves to receive such stem, a slot or slots, 4', and ratchets to engage corresponding ratchets of a plate, I, or equivalent device or de- 7 vices, combined with bolts K, substantially as set forth.

11. In a cultivator or other similar implement, a standard having side bars or cheeks, combined with a tooth-connection comprising plates operating pivotally and provided with slot or slots, and ratchets between such side bars or cheeks, joints being provided for the insertion of a bifurcated spreader or equivalent device, substantially as set forth.

12. The combination, with the cultivatorstem, of the inner plates, I, having grooves to receive the same and provided on their outer sides at their ends with serrations, and

the outer plates, 1, having serrations to en-' gage those of the inner plates, I, and clamping-bolts, substantially as set forth.

13. In a cultivator, substantially as described, the combination, with the beam-coupling provided at its inner end with the fender-bar or support formed integral with and arranged in the same horizontal plane with the beam-coupling, of the drag-bars pivoted at their rear ends to the beam-coupling, the

drag-bars being provided at such end with outwardly-extended eye formations, whereby the drag-bars may be arranged close together at their rear ends and the necessary width for secure fastening be provided at such end, substantially as set forth.

CHARLES R. HARTMAN.

Witnesses:

A. SAXON, J OSEPI-I KUPBENS. 

